The Red Devils can still finish the 2017-18 campaign with some silverware if Manchester United can beat Mourinho's former club Chelsea FC in the FA Cup final at Wembley later this month.

While Manchester united are still second on the table with three points above Liverpool after the same number of games.

That was about as good as it got in a horribly disjointed display from United.

"When individuals don't perform at a good level it's hard for the team to perform at a good level". They showed it from the first minute, and we didn't show that. I did not succeed in persuading my players that getting four more points is important.

Their poor showings should vindicate Mourinho's decision not to play them frequently in key matches, but the Special One didn't escape criticism, either.

Jose Mourinho made six changes to his starting XI and the decision backfired as his team were outfought and outplayed on their first visit to the Amex Stadium.

"I thought for some of them the possibility to start the game, to give reason to the ones that during the season there are always critics towards my choices. Maybe now you will not ask me why A, B and C do not play so much", declared Mourinho.

"I felt that we've deserved to stay in this league for our season's work", said Brighton boss Chris Hughton.

Winning promotion last season after years of trying and failing to make the Premier League was a major achievement for Brighton. But before the hour mark, the host's effort was rewarded when they pushed forward and the cross of Izquidero met the head of Pascal Gross who powered in home to give them the lead.